5 June 2015

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Friday 5 June 2015 

Morning Prayer   

Psalms 82 and 84

The first psalm sets a scene of God judging all the other Gods. They lack knowledge or compassion. They will be destroyed. The psalmist petitions God alone to judge the earth.

A day living in the presence of God is better than anything imaginable. A journey to God’s dwelling place is filled with refreshment: “they go from strength to strength” (v. 7).

1 Samuel 3: 1 – 4: 1a

Visions and hearing God’s word are rare in the land at this time. Samuel, asleep near the Ark of the Covenant hears a voice call him three times. On each occasion he runs to Eli to see what he needs. Eli tells him it was not him who called and in the third time tells Samuel that if it happens again he is to say, “Speak Lord for your servant is listening”. God tells Samuel what is going to happen to Eli’s household.

In the morning Eli pressures Samuel to tell him what God said. Samuel tells the truth and Eli recognises that indeed it was God and accepts the sentence.

Samuel continues as a trustworthy prophet of the Lord.

Acts 5: 27 – 42

The apostles are brought before the chief priest and council. The high priest reminds them of their orders not to preach which they have disobeyed. Peter proclaims Christ crucified and exalted so that Israel might be forgiven her sins and given the gift of the Holy Spirit.

The council becomes angry and wants the apostles killed. Gamaliel, a teacher of the law orders that the apostles be taken from the room so that council can talk candidly. He reminds council of other groups who rose up and after time failed and were dispersed. He recommends nothing be done because if it is from man’s ambition it will fail, and if it is from God the high priest and council would find themselves fighting God.

The apostles are flogged and released. They rejoice because their ministry is making a difference, they are happy to suffer for the sake of Jesus. “And every day thereafter they did not cease to teach and proclaim Jesus as the Messiah” (v. 42).

Collect for Morning Prayer

Path
Albany WA 2014 L Osburn

 Almighty and all knowing God, the things that come from you bring refreshment, new futures, new visions, and cannot be fought. When we encounter those who lack compassion, those who blaspheme, those who set unreasonable limits on our faith and those who have no vision, help us remember that judgment and intervention is yours. Help us fill that difficult and dark valley with joy for you so that we continue our journey refreshed by your steadfast love through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and the power of your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.

Friday 5 June April 2015

Evening Prayer

Psalms 85 and 87

The first psalm reminds us all of God’s forgiveness and historical evidence of restoring people of faith. The psalmist asks for quiet to listen to God who will speak peace to the faithful and give salvation. “Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other” (v.10).

The second psalm is of praise for Zion, the mother city of believers everywhere. It is the basis for the hymn “Glorious things of you are spoken, Zion city of our God.”

Proverbs 3: 19 - 35

God through wisdom, understanding and knowledge created everything. Keep wisdom so that you have confidence and security no matter what happens to those around you. Don’t withhold good from people to whom it is due or delay in giving if you have the means. Don’t quarrel with people without cause and don’t envy those who use violence for God’s curse is on the house of the wicked – they get disgrace. To the humble and wise God gives favour and honour.

2 Corinthians 1: 23 – 2: 11

Paul talks about an earlier visit he had to Corinth where an individual in the community caused offence and pain. But for Paul, the real offence is caused to the community in Corinth. Pauls urges the Corinthians to forgive, console and reaffirm their love for the person.

Anyone the community forgives, Paul forgives too and does so in the name of Christ for the sake of the community.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Evening Peace
Armadale WA 2014 L Osburn

Holy and loving God you speak peace to us, console us, reaffirm your love and forgive us eternally. Help us be still and listen to you now out of the noise and clamour of our day so that we become aware of how the things that hurt one person hurt the whole community. Strengthen us to seek your wisdom in deciding the actions we will take so that we may increase security, confidence favour and honour for all through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and Saviour. Amen.

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